Become an I’m Determined Youth Leader

Join the I'm Determined Family!

The I’m Determined Project is made up of regional Determinators (who are adult employees at one of Virginia’s Training & Technical Assistance Centers, aka, TTACs), and State Youth Leaders, 13-21 year-old youth with disabilities, who breathe life into the project by sharing their stories and experiences with other youth, educators, and families.

Group photo of the I'm Determined State Youth Leaders in two rows, one seated and one standing behind the first row. Everyone is wearing colorful clothing, smiling and raising their hands, waving to the camera, or giving a thumbs up.

This is a state-wide leadership role with the I’m Determined Project. Youth Leaders travel throughout Virginia to educate teachers, families, and students about self-determination and the I’m Determined project. You will be expected to demonstrate leadership skills at scheduled events and in your community. Youth Leaders gain knowledge and experience in training and leadership skills, act as peer leaders, and serve as a positive role model and mentor for other youth.

What does it take?

Are you team-oriented, responsive, responsible, positive, goal-oriented, and involved in community activities? If so, please consider applying to be a Youth Leader!

When you become a Youth Leader you are committing to participating in monthly meetings, two annual weekend retreats, the annual Youth Summit in June, as well as any other events that arise such as presenting to schools and conferences and assisting with regional I’m Determined events.

Youth Leader Regions

Youth leaders work on regional teams for local work, and all together as a state team for state-wide events, such as the Youth & Parent Summit. Each region’s need for new Youth Leaders comes and goes depending on how many are on the current team and how many will be leaving at the end of the year. Open Youth Leader positions will be posted according to the current need in that region. Please only apply for openings in the region where you live.

Multicolored map of the superintendent regions of Virginia - regions 1 through 8, with each region's counties and cities listed.

The Application Process

Step One

Fill out an Application

The application is our first opportunity to get to know you. You will be introduced to our TRACK agreement, which all State Youth Leaders use as guidance, and be given information on what “A Year in the Life” of an I’m Determined Youth Leader is like. We will then ask for some basic contact information and have 5 questions for you to answer. This can be done in written format, or recorded as a video and sent to us.

Step Two

Applications are Reviewed

During the review phase, our selection committee will review all applications. If you seem like a good fit, you will be invited for an interview. If there is more work to be done before you are ready, we’ll provide some feedback and things to work on.

Step Three

Interview

An interview will be set up between you and our selection committee. We’ll send all of our questions ahead of time, so that you know what to expect, and so that you can best prepare for your interview. After all interviews have been conducted, the selection committee will make their decisions and you will be notified.

We are not currently accepting applications for new youth leaders. Feel free to email info@imdetermined.org with any questions.

Hear from our Youth Leaders

I’m Determined State Youth Leaders are a diverse, energetic, creative, and passionate group of young adults.

I’ve had a life-changing experience with I’m Determined. The learning tools prepared me to be life-ready in college and the workforce. I strongly recommend to start using these tools early to give students a sense of autonomy in their education. The lifelong friendships that I have developed here at I’m Determined will also be cherished for a lifetime!

– Jonathan, Youth Leader, Regions 1 & 8
Headshot of youth leader, Jonathan, male with black hair and glasses, smiling and wearing a purple and yellow striped polo shirt

Determination is not a skill that can be mastered, it’s an aspect of life that we have to strive for everyday; within everything we do.

– Traleya, Youth Leader, Regions 2 & 3
Headshot of youth leader, Traleya, female with dark brown hair with highlights, wearing a striped shirt and jean jacket, sitting on a bench outdoors

I’m Determined is what gave me a voice and taught me whatever I want to do, I have to be self-determined and advocate for myself. Advocating for myself has helped me advocate for other people.

– Chloe, Youth Leader, Regions 2 & 3
Headshot of youth leader, Chloe, female with short, brown hair, smiling